Chuck Carrington, PhD
Executive Director, Virginia Beach Christian Counseling
Christian Pastoral Counseling, Human Services Counseling, Men’s Counseling, Christian Life Coaching, Psycho-education & Training Specialist.
“My view of counseling, coaching, and supervision is based on two truths I have found consistent in my life: First, that everyone struggles to find their path in life, making mistakes at times, and growing in strength through adversity. Second, that our past mistakes can be the most powerful learning opportunities if we choose to apply the lessons of failure to grow and do better. From brokenness, we are made stronger. With this in mind, I like to help my clients to find their own potential and inner strength to move forward. I use a variety of techniques and tools to help my clients find the way forward in life. I believe that a counselor should become the counselor that a client needs, rather than to try and force a client to become what the counselor wants. In this way, I can align with my client, show them maximum understanding and respect, and journey with them towards a healthier more effective life.”
Dr. Chuck completed his doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Old Dominion University. In addition, he holds degrees in Counseling (M.A.), Human Services Counseling (M.A.), and Organizational Leadership & Management (B.S.) from Regent University, as well as Bible college/seminary degrees in Christian Counseling (B.A.) and Theology M.A.), and post-doctoral studies in Educational Technologies and Online Learning. Dr. Chuck has published on Non-death loss and a counselor’s ability to treat clients, and Internet Gaming Addiction. His research areas focus on Ambiguous Loss, Foster Parent Competency and Retention, The Culture of Abuse in Impoverished Families and Communities, The Treatment of Internet Porn Addiction, and Betrayal Trauma in Spouses of Porn Addicts, Stopping Elder Abuse.
Dr. Chuck is Senior Pastoral Counselor and Christian Counselor, also specializing Life Coaching, Career Coaching, Couples and Relationship Enhancement Coaching, Strategic Parenting, and Co-parenting After Divorce.Chuck has made the strategic decision to work only as a Pastoral Counselor and Christian Minister in Human Services and Christian Life Coaching rather than seek a state license. This decision was made with much prayer after so much political constraint and bias has entered the field of counseling over the last 5 years. Christian counseling has a long and noble history, and Chuck feels that he cannot compromise his principles between extremist political affiliations in secular counseling, and the call of God he feels led to do Christian values based ministry. While this means he cant take your insurance, he has agreed to take no personal compensation for his counseling activities at VBCC. His clients pay what they can afford, on a sliding scale basis, which is in turn used to fund the general operations of the VBCC office. This helps keep access to Dr. Chuck purposefully affordable, to allow anyone the opportunity to have superior counseling with minimal cost, and allows VBCC to operate as a non-profit organization with exceptionally low rates.
Read about Dr. Chuck’s extensive training and experience by clicking here!
Melissa Stephenson, M.A.
LPC Resident, Faith-Based Pastoral Counselor
“I personally believe every person’s life journey is filled with times that are difficult, traumatic, and moments of struggle, which lead to needs for healing, recovery, growth, and learning our possibilities and strengths. Our hurts, pain, joys, and triumphs all matter. I like to help my clients discover their personal life purpose and to see how their life stories are significant. My goal is to help my clients navigate life’s ups and downs, discover their purpose, personal strength, and life potential. Personally, as a counselor I want to help my clients meet their needs and their goals towards healing and success. I will partner with the client to support, respect, understand, and help promote a healthy well-being towards a more successful life.”
About Melissa: Melissa is a Resident in counseling, earning her hours towards fulfilling the requirements for Licensed Professional Counseling. In her professional career, she has worked with at-risk children and adolescents, individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Education: She has completed her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Specialties: Military Children, Spouses, & Families, Betrayal Trauma, Trauma & Grief Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, Crisis, Self-Esteem, and Stress-Management. She has worked with children, adolescents, couples, families, and groups.
Choice of Theory and Techniques: As a counselor, Melissa applies an integrative approach towards counseling. Through using an integrative approach, Melissa partners with the client to use techniques and psychotherapy tools that are best suitable for the client and their problem.
Wash Carton, M.A., USN (ret)
Faith-Based Pastoral Counselor, Christian Life Coach, Intern in Mental Health Counseling
Are you feeling worried all of the time? I provide Pastoral Christian Counseling and Life Coaching in the Hampton Roads area. As a Pastoral Counselor and Coach my professional philosophy is that I am committed to the same professional standards and code of ethics that are essential in clinical counseling. The goal of pastoral counseling is to help individuals think biblically about their current struggles in the context of a confidential, and in a caring environment. Life coaching is a developmental process whereby I will meet with individuals on a regular basis to clarify goals, deal with potential stumbling blocks and improve their performance.
Research shows that unhealthy relationships can cause both emotional and physical stress, whereas healthy relationships can enhance and improve overall well-being. I offer individual, couples, pre-martial, marriage and family counseling. In addition to, coaching and developing individuals who suffered from stress, trauma, and grief issues. If you are struggling through serious relationships problems, feel free to contact me
Education: Master of Education in Christian Counseling, at International Apostolic University of Grace and Truth in Dayton, OH. Ordination from The Sure Foundation Theological Institute in Seminole FL. Completed training and certified as a Navy Operational Stress Control Course Facilitator. Currently, Wash is a student at Liberty University completing a second Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Specialties: Stress reduction and management, couples conflict resolution, military family conflicts, crisis of faith, spiritual development, substance abuse, men’s counseling, pre-marital counseling.
Wil Strayhorn, M.A., LC
Human Services Counseling and Life Coach
I am committed to helping people learn to love and appreciate themselves! I help empower my clients to find the answers within that are blocking them from a life they desire and deserve. I am passionate about helping men and women who are struggling with life changing transitions, suffering from low self-esteem, co-dependency , poor self-image and a host of other challenges that can disrupt your emotional and physical well being. I help my clients to achieve their dreams and goals, gain amazing confidence, create a confident and attractive image and dress for the life they desire, develop extraordinary relationships and an authentic, healthy life. You have the ability to create an image that you’ll be proud of and a life you love… a life that aligns with your deepest passions, priorities, and values. I offer my services through a variety of packages for every lifestyle and budget.
Wil Strayhorn is an Image & Empowerment Coach who helps men and women redirect and change their lives by shifting their mindset and habits to realize They already possess the power and are capable of achieving their dreams and ambitions. Additionally, Wil helps individuals craft a winning image the reflects their truest and most positive beliefs about themselves because he understands the importance of first impressions and the fact that how you look on the outside affects how you feel on the inside. A Hair & Makeup Artist and Image Consultant of nearly 25 years, Wil is experienced and accomplished at assisting individuals transform their appearance from “drab to fab!”. Wil started his coaching business in 2015 to help other people who felt as he once did, hosting self-doubting beliefs and behaviors prevented him from achieving the level of success that he desired both professionally and personally and he wanted to look and feel better in order to project a winning, confident image. Today Wil offers a wide range of programs and services – from individual and group coaching, to seminars, workshops and keynote speeches.
Education: Master’s of Arts Degree from Liberty University in Human Services Counseling, A Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Old Dominion University in Communication, and an Associate’s of Science Degree from Tidewater Community College in Social Sciences.
Affiliations: Wil is recognized through the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) as: Certified in Financial Coaching, Certification in Marriage Coaching, and Certification in Advanced Life Coaching. Wil is currently awaiting final certification as a CACLC – Certified Advanced Christian Life Coach through the Board of Christian Life Coaches (BCLC)
Jamie Holt
Client Care Coordinator, Human Services and Life Coaching
Jamie has experience in mental health counseling, crisis addiction counseling, and individual counseling. A former undergrad and graduate student of Dr. Chuck at Old Dominion, Jamie was identified early in her academic career as one of those special people who is destined to make a difference in people’s lives.
Jamie is our dedicated Care Team Coordinator, tasked is to make sure that every client’s needs are being met to the best possible standard, and keeping all of us on our toes.
In addition to her other duties, as she prepares for Residency and licensing, Jamie is volunteering her skills to coach and assist clients with day to day issues and skills training through human services counseling and life Coaching. If you are looking for a no-nonsense approach to counseling or coaching, Jamie would be a great choice!
Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Old Dominion University, Master of Science (pending) in Mental health Counseling, Old Dominion University, Certified Life Coach, Compassion Fatigue Specialist.
Paula Meadows
Mental Health Intern-Old Dominion University
Paula is in her final stages of training as a Mental Health Counselor. Prior to entering the Residency phase of licensing,counselors must complete a lengthy internship. Paula began her work at Virginia Beach Christian Counseling as a practicum student and quickly impressed us with her skill and dedication. Over time, Paula has earned a great deal of respect from her clients, and is now carrying a substantial caseload, facilitating groups, and working to better her clients lives.
Paula is a gentle counselor with deep empathy and the compassion that comes from her walk with Christ. Women and children are especially well cared for by Paula as she applies her soft touch and wisdom.
Education: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (in process) from Old Dominion University
Sarah Malaby, Intern in Human Services
Sarah is a talented Human Services Intern from Old Dominion University. You will meet her when you call or come into the office efficiently running the front desk. Sarah actually provides many tasks beyond the office administration, offering intake services, administrating assessments for the providers, and performing human services intervention and coaching. Sarah is an up and coming star who we are excited to have as a vital part of our team for the final semester of her undergraduate program.
Meet Sola the Therapy Dog!
Sola is an enthusiastically friendly Jack Russell Terrier who wants to comfort people who are anxious or sad. She would be very happy to sit with you and offer her special form of assurance and comfort. Sola is a very attentive listener and happy to make new friends. Sola’s person is Jamie Holt, who schedules Sola’s clients for her.
